FBAR Voluntary Disclosure Penalty Calculations Explained (2020)

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FBAR Voluntary Disclosure Penalty Structure Explained

The FBAR Voluntary Disclosure Penalty Structure changed in 2018 and 2019. This was the result of the IRS closing OVDP (Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program.) Under OVDP, the FBAR penalty was 27.5% on the maximum aggregate value of applicable unreported accounts. If a “bad bank” was involved, the penalty jumped up to 50%.

The new penalty formula for FBAR under revised voluntary Disclosure Penalty for Willful Violations is set by the code, which is 50% maximum value or $100,00, whichever is greater.

The new FBAR voluntary Disclosure Penalty Calculations are explained and summarized below.

FBAR voluntary Disclosure Penalty Calculations Explained

Revised IRS Voluntary Disclosure Penalty for FBAR

Under the new version of the Voluntary Disclosure Program, the IRS sets the penalty to amount in the code, and enforcement procedures follow the IRM, which is the Internal Revenue Manual.

As provided by the IRS:

“iv. Willful FBAR penalties will be asserted in accordance with existing IRS penalty guidelines under IRM 4.26.16 and 4.26.17.

v. A taxpayer is not precluded from requesting the imposition of accuracy related penalties under I.R.C. § 6662 instead of civil fraud penalties or non-willful FBAR penalties instead of willful penalties.

Given the objective of the voluntary disclosure practice, granting requests for the imposition of lesser penalties is expected to be exceptional.

Where the facts and the law support the assertion of a civil fraud or willful FBAR penalty, a taxpayer must present convincing evidence to justify why the civil fraud penalty should not be imposed.

vi. Penalties for the failure to file information returns will not be automatically imposed. Examiner discretion will take into account the application of other penalties (such as civil fraud penalty and willful FBAR penalty) and resolve the examination by agreement. vii. Penalties relating to excise taxes, employment taxes, estate and gift tax, etc. will be handled based upon the facts and circumstances with examiners coordinating with appropriate subject matter experts. viii. Taxpayers retain the right to request an appeal with the Office of Appeals.”

Golding & Golding: About Our International Tax Law Firm

We are the “go-to” firm for other Attorneys, CPAs, Enrolled Agents, Accountants, and Financial Professionals across the globe. Our attorneys have worked with thousands of clients on offshore disclosure matters, including FATCA & FBAR.

*Please beware of copycat tax and law firms misleadingthe public about their credentials and experience.

Less than 1% of Tax Attorneys Nationwide Are Certified Specialists

Sean M. Golding is one of less than 350 Attorneys (out of more than 200,000 practicing California Attorneys) to earn the Certified Tax Law Specialist credential. The credential is awarded to less than 1% of Attorneys.

Recent Golding & Golding Case Highlights

We represented a client in an 8-figure disclosure that spanned 7 countries.

We represented a high-net-worth client to facilitate a complex expatriation with offshore disclosure.

We represented an overseas family with bringing multiple businesses & personal investments into U.S. tax and offshore compliance.

We took over a case from a small firm that unsuccessfully submitted multiple clients to IRS Offshore Disclosure.

We successfully completed several recent disclosures for clients with assets ranging from $50,000 – $7,000,000+.

How to Hire Experienced Offshore Counsel

Generally, experienced attorneys in this field will have all the following credentials/experience:

20-years experience as a practicing attorney

Extensive litigation, high-stakes audit and trial experience

Board Certified Tax Law Specialist credential

Master’s of Tax Law (LL.M.)

Dually Licensed as an EA (Enrolled Agent) or CPA

Interested in Learning More about Golding & Golding?

No matter where in the world you reside, our international tax team can get you IRS offshore compliant.

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